IPL 2019: 3 Kolkata Knight Riders players to watch out for

Kolkata Knight Riders, the Kolkata city-based franchise, have been one of the most consistent teams in the IPL. It is one of the most popular franchises due to its association with celebrity owner Shahrukh Khan.

The team had some poor results in the first three seasons of the league but since then they have been on an upward curve. They won the league in 2012 and 2014 and set the record for the longest winning streak for an Indian T20 side (14).

KKR have a strong squad for IPL 2019. Let's take a look at their three top players to watch out for this season.

1) Sunil Narine

Sunil Narine's mystery bowling has been key for the team

One of the most dangerous entities in the T20 format is the cool and calm West Indian Sunil Narine.

In the 98 matches he has played in the IPL, Narine has 112 wickets to his name at a stupendous economy of 6.54. He scalped 24 wickets in the 2012 season and as a result, was adjourned the Player of the Tournament.

In the 2017 season, Narine was promoted up the order as a pinch hitter and the trick worked wonders. He has been lethal in decimating opposition attacks with ease ever since. Narine once scored a 15-ball 50 against Royal Challengers Bangalore which was the then the joint fastest half-century in IPL.

His mystery spin and exceptional batting at the top make him a key asset for Kolkata Knight Riders in the upcoming season.

2) Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav bowling in a match.

Kuldeep Yadav has been with the franchise ever since he was bought in the 2014 auction. He has played 31 matches in the IPL, taking 35 wickets in the process.

Kuldeep's good lines making the batsmen reach for the ball combined with clever variations in pace have been a feature of his bowling in the IPL. The left-arm Chinaman bowler is currently one of the pillars of the Indian spin department and has been one of the most consistent players for KKR.

As the franchise look for their third IPL title, Kuldeep might prove to be a vital cog in their campaign.

3) Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik will captain the side for the second time this season. The surprise release of KKR's erstwhile captain Gautam Gambhir before the 2018 auction raised eyebrows about who was going to captain the side.

The franchise then appointed Karthik as the captain and he didn't disappoint, leading the side to the qualifiers before losing out to Sunrisers Hyderabad.

He lead his team from the front as he scored 498 runs at an outstanding average of 48.90. With the 2019 World Cup nearing and the Indian team looking for a proper No. 4, Karthik has a chance to prove his skills as he tries to lead his side to their third title.